2023 CPE by the Sea | June 14-16 in Galveston and Webcast
Technology Track
All listings in Central time.
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14
8 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. - General Session: Professional Issues Update for Texas
Sheila Enriquez, JD, CPA, CFF, CVA/Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and Texas Market Leader/Crowe LLP/Houston
This session will provide an update on the CPA profession specific to Texas.
Major Topics: CPA profession: Emerging issues, current issues and how to address issues together
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the current and emerging issues our profession is facing.
- Get an update on the legislative matters affecting our profession both in Texas and at the Federal Level
- Determine how, as individual CPAs, we can contribute towards resolving the issues we are facing.
Skill Level: Update
9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. - Vertex Sales/Use Tax Implementation – Leading Practices
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. -
Online Automation
Alik Mock/CEO/Genwise, Inc./Austin
Our session will teach you how to harness technology to streamline your workflows, reduce errors, and provide better service to your clients. You'll learn how to identify and select the right technology solutions for your business, document your
processes, and apply technology to achieve your business goals.
Major Topics:
- The benefits of online automation in the workplace: Online automation has the potential to save time, reduce errors, and increase productivity in a variety of industries. It can automate routine tasks such as data entry, report generation, and invoice processing, allowing employees to focus on higher-level tasks that require critical thinking and analysis. Additionally, it can help companies stay organized and compliant, and improve customer service by providing a streamlined and consistent experience.
- Challenges in implementing online automation: Despite the potential benefits, there can be challenges in implementing online automation in the workplace. These can include the cost and time required to implement new systems, the need for employee training and adjustment to new processes, and the potential for resistance or fear of job loss. It is important for organizations to carefully consider these factors when evaluating whether online automation is the right solution for their needs.
- The future of online automation: As technology continues to advance, the potential applications of online automation will likely expand. This could include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate more complex tasks, as well as the development of more sophisticated workflow and project management tools. It is important for businesses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and advancements in online automation in order to remain competitive and efficient in their industry.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the various technologies available for small accounting firms, including their features, benefits, and limitations. This will help you make informed decisions when selecting and implementing technology solutions for your business.
- Learn how to document your existing processes in detail, with a view to identifying areas where technology can be integrated to improve efficiency and accuracy. This will help you identify gaps in your current processes and determine how technology can be used to fill those gaps.
- Explore practical use cases for technology in accounting, such as automating data entry, generating reports, or collecting client data. This will help you understand how to leverage technology to streamline your workflows, reduce errors, and provide better service to your clients. Additionally, you will learn how technology can support your business growth by increasing productivity and profitability.
Skill Level: Basic
11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. - The 4Ws of Social Security
David P. Zander, CFP/Owner & Founder/Back Nine Financial, LLC/Boerne
Understanding the nuances of Social Security and recent and proposed changes. These benefits have never had more significance for the American public, even for the affluent! This session will delve into the WHO – WHAT – WHY – WHEN
with a Bonus session on HOW.
Major Topics:
- Social Security
Learning Objectives:
- You will walk away with a better understanding of Social Security and the importane of integrating one’s benefits into one’s overall financial planning process.
Skill Level: Intermediate
11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | LUNCH BREAK
12:50 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. -
Build and Increase Your Estate Planning Consulting Practice (Part I)
Leonard Weiner, JD, CPA, MBA, AEP®/Tax, Estate, and Business Attorney/Leonard Weiner Law, PLLC/Houston
This session and the PowerPoint will discuss why CPAs should consider increasing their estate planning consultations; how estate planning can help clients save income and transfer taxes (which are estate, gift and Generation Skipping “GST”
(grandchildren’s) taxes); how estate planning can help clients while they are alive and help clients’ loved ones after clients pass away; forty tax saving techniques which are stand alone or part of a larger tax saving strategy; twenty
non tax estate planning options which are stand alone or part of an estate tax planning technique; why many clients are not aware of the need to engage in timely and good estate planning; how to help clients achieve the benefits from their estate
plan; and the surprising broad interpretation of IRC Sec. 2036 (a)(2) by all Tax Court Judges which may have the effect of wrecking pre-existing estate plans which complied with published tax law when the plan was implemented; and a strategy for clients
to address this risk for existing and future estate plans.
Major Topics:
- Why estate planning is important to you and your clients.
- Many ways you may help clients and their loved ones save income and estate taxes.
- Some important nontax benefits that clients and their loved ones may achieve.
Learning Objectives:
- Why many clients need good estate planning.
- Why do clients not realize how important it is to have a good estate plan.
- How many ways estate planning can help clients and their loved ones.
- How you may help clients by increasing your estate planning consulting practice.
Skill Level: Intermediate
1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Build and Increase Your Estate Planning Consulting Practice (Part II)
Leonard Weiner, JD, CPA, MBA, AEP®/Tax, Estate, and Business Attorney/Leonard Weiner Law, PLLC/Houston
Continuation of Part I
3 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. - Blockchain and Digital Assets
4 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. - Cybersecurity and Compliance – Is Your Business Prepared?
Wayne Hunter
DAY 2 – THURSDAY, JUNE 15
9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. -
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) – Introduction
Augustine Gavini, Ph.D./Managing Consultant/HCLTech/Phoenix
This will be an introductory session on the concept of ERPs, ERP players, ERP dimensions, SAP S/4HANA Finance, and the future of the ARPs.
Major Topics:
- ERP as a tool to run your enterprise efficiently
- Best practices of SAP S/HANA business transformation programs
- New innovations in SAP S/4HANA
- Future of ERPs
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the ERPs in general
- Trends in ERPs - the changing dimensions
- Insights into the SAP as an ERP
Skill Level: Basic
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. - Change Management: Making it Work for You
Alain Paolini/Vice President/Pariveda/Denver
We all deal with constant change at work, yet sustainable success is often elusive. Join us to learn how to engage your employees, align your teams and drive meaningful, long-term success when implementing change related to your operations, technology
and organization.
Major Topics:
- Fundamentals of change management
- Successful practices in change management
- Process, organization and technology change
- Engaging employees and stakeholders
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the foundational principles of change management
- Become familiar with change management practices that can make transformation efforts more successful or more challenging
- Identify the steps to assess change management needs and plan change efforts to address them
Skill Level: Basic
11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. - TBD
11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | LUNCH BREAK
12:50 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. -
Compensation Strategy During Changing Times
Nancy Fairchild/Sr. HR Professional and Business Advisor/Nancy Fairchild Consulting/Dripping Springs
How to handle compensation when inflation is over 8% and the need for qualified workers is at an all-time high? Balancing the needs of the Company with the demands of the employees. Is merit still the driver? How does the Company cover the extra
cost for employees?
Major Topics:
- Building a new total compensation strategy
- Do we still - “Pay for merit”?
- How to Deal with new workers making more than our current workforce.
- The great resignation and lay-offs are growing in 2023
- Why employees really leave a company
- Ideas for our new reality
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding of our current situation.
- Exploring alternatives
- Provide at least one new approach for compensation discussions.
Skill Level: Intermediate
1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. -
IRS 101
Keith Cothroll/Tax Attorney/Law Firm of Keith A. Cothroll
The audience will learn how IRS Tax Controversy works. They'll learn about what happens in an IRS audit and what happens in IRS collections. Typical matters that create IRS problems will also be discussed.
Major Topics:
- The IRS Audit: How do people get audited? What happens in an audit? What options do you have once it's completed?
- IRS collections: What does a revenue officer do? Who qualifies for an offer in compromise? IRS letters will be described so you know what is coming. Liens/levies and garnishments will be discussed
- Tax Trip ups such as home office, mileage, sec 183 hobby loss rule, divorce will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- To have a basic understanding of how the IRS functions at the exam and collections level so that you can explain to your client what is happening
- To understand basic tax trip ups that can flag a return you prepare for audit
- A description of the various IRS letters so you know what they are and what they mean
Skill Level: Intermediate
3 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
4 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. - Moments that Matter
DAY 3 – FRIDAY, JUNE 16
8 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. -
General Session
9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. -
TBD
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. -
State and Local Tax Panel Discussion
Rachel Chinukwe (Baker), CPA/STS – SALT Senior Manager/BDO USA, LLP/Dallas
Devon Dixon, CPA, CMI/STS-SALT Managing Director/BDO USA, LLP/Dallas
Discuss current trends related to sales and use tax refunds and credits on how implementing a business strategy can reduce your risk for substantial over or under payments for prior periods.
Major Topics:
- Sales and Use Tax Practices
- Credits and Refunds
- Future Landscaping Litigation
Learning Objectives:
- Explain potential sales and use tax credits.
- Understanding how sales tax practices are essential for your business.
- Understanding the future landscaping of sales tax in regard to potential federal litigation.
Skill Level: Intermediate
11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. - Are you Ready to Grow?
Dena Jansen, CPA/Founder/Dena Speaks
Join Dena Jansen, CPA, and Public Accounting Partner turned Curious Entrepreneur, as she breaks down a formula to help you experience an Inspired Life. Whether you are looking for more passion, joy, growth, or evolution in your personal or professional
life, the math is simple: The Growth Cycle + YOU-Turns = An Inspired Life. With a strong dose of kind, open, and real talk, Dena will share a new language and practical tools to help you show up for yourself and your career, ready to grow!
Major Topics:
- Personal and professional growth and development – new language, practical tools and application
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will understand and define for themselves the concepts of an Inspired Life, the Growth Cycle, and YOU-Turns.
- Participants will gain new tools for self-prioritization, including self-reflection, visioning, and intention setting.
- Participants will better understand the predictable and repeatable cycle of growth to help them continue to evolve personally and professionally.
Skill Level: Basic
11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | LUNCH BREAK
12:50 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. - Upgrading Business Processes to Digital Technology
1:50 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. - General Session: Running to Rewarding Relationships
James Brown/Chief Xchange Officer/The Xchange Zone/Missouri City, TX
Relationships are the essence of human existence – the business world, home, and school. Understanding that every relationship matters, has a unique cadence, and learning how to identify and move within it, can drastically improve your personal
brand, organizational effectiveness, and better position you to reach your individual and team goals.
Major Topics:
- How to leverage and maximize relationships
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the rhythm (cadence) of relationships
- Learn how to rhyme (communicate) in relationships
- Find the reward (win) in relationships
Skill Level: Intermediate
2:50 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. - Leadership that Counts!
Chuck Cummings, CPA, CFE/Owner/Charles C. Cummings, Jr., CPA/Pearland
Come learn the characteristics of an effective leader; someone others trust and who is unique
in a tough business world. This is for you, the leader, when you are tired of your old style and results, especially if your leadership creates stress, turnover, insecurity and lack of productivity in those who follow you or don't. If you are frustrated
with your job or the people you lead, this session will help you.
Major Topics:
- Working definition of a leader
- Choosing a style of leadership
- Examining the Character, Attitudes, Skills and Habits of an Effective Leader
Learning Objectives:
- Learn what an effective leader looks and acts like.
- Leave with a better understanding of how your leadership style and characteristics impact those you lead.
- Find a different work style that is much more rewarding and less frustrating in a tough business world.
Skill Level: Intermediate